But the Hornets (3-4, 1-2 MCAL), who fully expect to be in the league mix, are putting the blinders on and marching forward.

"We have plenty of games ahead of us," junior lefty Chase Gardner said. "Those losses were rough, but they've definitely been motivating."

Gardner knows that experience well.

A top pitcher in Novato's veteran rotation, he himself has built his own success out of early disappointment.

The first start of his promising career, last April at Liberty High, was one to forget. Gardner, then a sophomore who had spent most of the year as a reliever, could not make it out of the third inning. He was tagged for four runs after allowing five walks and two hits, his team never recovering in a 7-0 loss.

Gardner relished the pitching role because it gave him a chance to "impact and control the game" — but at that moment, the situation overwhelmed him.

"It was rough. It wasn't a league game, so I didn't really know the opponent," Gardner recalled. "I got that first start and I didn't realize how much a role (being a starter) really was. I might have gone in there a little unprepared."

The sting of that defeat continued to drive him.

"I did not want that feeling of (my team) losing because of me," he said. "I never wanted that to happen again."

And he's been rock-solid every since.

In his very next start a week later, Gardner pick up his first career win. During that 9-1 victory over Terra Linda, he struck out four while allowing only two hits and one run. The outing lasted just four innings, but for good reason — the Hornets were already ahead by seven.

Gardner, who finished 2013 with a 3-1 record, ended up starting Novato's playoff game against Alhambra and pitched well in a 2-1 losing effort. Heading into Friday night's start against Marin Catholic, he has yet to take a loss in three appearances, boasting a 1.94 ERA with a team-high 13 strikeouts over 18 innings.

"(Chase) has worked so hard prove to prove he can be the guy," Novato coach Jason Searle said. "He's just a workaholic. He seems to always be the guys who pushes everyone else, during practice and during drills. He loves the process, and I think that's part of the reason he's been successful."

Indeed, Gardner's work ethic has helped him build on his physical tools.

Standing tall at 6-foot-4, he is an imposing figure on the mound — "I feel bad for everyone out there going against him," Hornets center fielder Robbie Cassee said. "I wouldn't want to face him."

After relying heavily on offspeed pitches early in his career, Gardner has become much more confident in his fastball. He has also cut down on his walks — totalling just five heading into Friday — by remaining even-keel in stressful situations.

"If I get down 2-0," he said, "I take a deep breath and take it one strike out a time."

He certainly has help, with a strong defense behind him. The speedy and rangy Cassee, who is back from a knee injury, is flanked by Drew Treppa in right field and Jason Rodriguez in left. Shortstop Connor Johnson and third baseman Tyler Torres help anchor the team's infield.

After bouncing back to earn their first league win on Tuesday — 7-4 over San Rafael — the Hornets look to continue hitting their stride.

"We can definitely do great things in this league," Cassee said. "We have to move forward and hopefully good things will happen."